Orlando, Florida

Local Details

Learn more about Orlando, Florida using the City Guide below. Plan a trip, find local shopping centers, or just discover what makes Orlando, Florida so great!

Current Temperature

4:38 AM EST Dec. 19

City Guide

Orlando is a large city located in Orange County, Florida.

Orlando, for most people conjures up the image of theme parks, mainly Disney World, but it has a lot more to offer than that. In fact, Disney is technically not in Orlando, but is in nearby Lake Buena Vista. Make sure that you don't miss downtown Orlando and charming Winter Park.

Get in

By plane

Those traveling by air can enter via Orlando International Airport (IATA: MCO). Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located north of the city in Sanford, and mainly caters to charter flights from Europe as well as regional carriers. Other International air options are Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) to the northeast, Tampa International Airport (TPA) to the southwest, and Melbourne International Airport (MLB) to the southeast.

Flights enter Orlando International Airport from all over the United States, but travelers coming from international destinations will likely have to fly into Miami or Atlanta before transferring onto a domestic airline.

By train

Orlando has an Amtrak station that provides service to Miami or points north up to New York via the Silver Star and Silver Meteor lines. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Orlando served as the eastern terminus for the coast to coast Sunset Limited that provided service to Los Angeles via Jacksonville, New Orleans, and San Antonio. Due to extensive track & bridge damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Sunset Limited is not currently operating east of New Orleans and the timetable for repair is several years away.

In nearby Sanford, the southern Terminus of the Amtrak Auto Train carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, effectively serving as a car-rail link from Orlando to the Washington, DC Metro Area.

By bus

Greyhound, 555 North John Young Parkway, Visitors arriving by Greyhound can go south on SR 423 to Interstate 4 to get to the major Attractions.

Shuttle Services

Running from the airport to various points, including Kissimmee, theme parks, University of Central Florida, and the cruise port at Port Canaveral.

Get around

By trolley

I-Ride Trolley, +1 407-248-9590. Along International and Universal Drive, this primarily serves tourists in the attractions area. While the service is advertised as a trolley, the trolleys are in fact modified buses and there is no dedicated traffic lane for the service; heavy traffic with many stops makes for a very slow ride. There are 85 stops along the main route on International Drive and 22 stops on the route that serves Universal Drive. The fare is $1 per ride. Per-day and multi-day bus passes are available from many locations.

Lymmo Bus, 1-841-LYNX. This free service operates frequently in a circuit in Downtown Orlando, from City Hall to the Centroplex and back. The Lymmo has a dedicated lane and stations with streetcar type control signals and modified buses that allow passengers to enter the bus without climbing. M-Th 6AM-10PM, F 6AM-12AM, Sa 10AM-12AM, Su 10AM-10PM.

By car

The car is still king in Orlando, and it is a very easy and convenient (if not congested) way to get to your destination. The roads are all wide and easy to drive on with all the major areas signposted, but traffic jams around downtown are common in the afternoons, and around the tourists areas on Saturday nights.

If you arrive by air via Orlando International Airport and get a rental car, go to the North Exit and head to SR 528 West to get to International Drive, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. This will require $0.75 in tolls. A short-cut to Walt Disney World is the South Exit to SR 417 South, following it to Exit 5, and taking SR 536 straight into Disney. This requires $2 in tolls.

In Orlando, the main tourism area is International Drive, a strip of road that runs parallel to I-4 for about 10 miles.

To get to the Space Coast beaches, such as Cocoa Beach, as well as the cruise terminals of Port Canaveral, use SR 528, the Bee Line Expressway (recently renamed to the Beach Line), which is I-4 Exit 72.

Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world and is known as capital of car rental companies, with all major car rental companies easily accessible from the airport. All major car rental companies are located inside the Orlando airport or nearby.

Car Rental Companies include:

Alamo Rent A Car, 1-800-462-5266.

Avis Rent A Car, 1-800-331-1212.

Budget Rent A Car, 1-800-527-0700.

Dollar Rent A Car, 1-800-800-3665.

E-Z Rent-A-Car, 1-800-277-5171.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1-800-261-7331.

Hertz Car Rental, 1-800-654-3131.

Thrifty, 1-800-847-4389.

By bus

Orlando's public transportation is the Lynx bus service. Approximately 60 routes serve the metro Orlando area and costs $1.50 per ride (transfers included) except for the Lymmo bus service as noted above. Check out Go Lynx for routes and fares.

Taxi

Ace Metro / Luxury Cab, +1 407-855-1111.

Diamond Cab Company, +1 407-523-3333.

Star Taxi, +1 407-857-9999.

Town & Country Transportation, +1 407-828-3035.

Yellow / City Cab, +1 407-699-9999.

See

Gardens & Parks

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave, +1 407-246-2620. Daily 9AM-5PM except Christmas Day. Beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes set in nearly 50 acres of land, featuring flora gathered from around the globe since 1936 including the largest rose garden in Florida and America's largest Camellia collection outside of California. Leu House, Harry P. Leu's former home set within the grounds and dating back to the 1880's, has tours every 30 minutes around its museum illustrating Florida living at the turn of the 20th century (closed during July). You can marry in various places in the gardens and there are special events held throughout the year. $5 (free every Monday 9AM-12noon)

Do

Major Attractions

Changing times

Universal Orlando Resort will experience two significant changes in the near future. First of all, Back to the Future: The Ride closed early in 2007 and is slated to be replaced by 2008 with a new attraction based on The Simpsons. Secondly, Islands of Adventure is building a new theme land based on Harry Potter which is scheduled for a 2009 opening.

Orlando is one of the biggest tourist destinations because of the nearby theme parks and resorts. Close to International Drive is Universal Orlando Resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and a large shopping district. SeaWorld Orlando is a marine theme park featuring Kraken, the biggest rollercoaster in the Orlando area, as well as Believe, the all-new Shamu adventure. About 40 minutes outside of Orlando is the well-known Walt Disney World. Comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, three shopping and dining districts, eight golf courses and much more, it is the largest privately managed tourist destination on the planet. Not far from Disney World lies the Alligator Capital of the World: Gatorland. Also, don't forget about water park Wet 'N Wild, located right on International Drive.

Discovery Cove, 6000 Discovery Cove Way (just off Central Florida Parkway, next door to Seaworld), +1 407-370-1280, Everyday 9AM-5:30PM (open til 9PM on selected evenings). Younger sister park to Seaworld lets you get even closer to the sealife allowing you to swim with fish, stingrays and the park's main attraction, Bottlenose dolphins. This unique Orlando attraction is sold out most days, despite it's high admission price, partly due to the fact that there is a limited number of 1000 places per day but admission does include all your equipment, food, drink and 30 minutes interaction with the dolphins in the water. $259-279 ($159-179 for non-dolphin package).

Minor Attractions

Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine, 8300 Vineland Avenue, +1 407-239-6600, This extravagant Catholic church has become a tourist attraction in itself, thanks in part to the millions of Catholics from around the world who visit it and the rest of Orlando every year. NOTE: It is not a parish, therefore it cannot perform weddings, funerals, or baptisms.

Downtown

Despite the proximity of theme park haven Lake Buena Vista, the City Beautiful has a lot to offer on its own. Downtown Orlando is a growing area centered around Orange Avenue that is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as theaters and concert venues. The main strip on Orange Ave. is closed most nights because of the large volumes of pedestrians. But just a few blocks over is Lake Eola, a picturesque park situated around a swan-filled lake. In the middle of the lake is a lighted fountain that has been established as an icon of Orlando, and on one side of the lake stands the historic outdoor shell theater, where tourists and locals alike can see a version of the Nutcracker every year in December. Swan-shaped paddle boats are available for rental as well. Taking over for Church St. as the main night time hot spot is Wall St. It is a small pedestrian only alley off of Orange Ave. that houses several restaurants and bars. They also have frequent concerts on Wall St. as they set up staging for bands to play for everything from Cinco de Mayo to the Capital One Bowl celebration week.

Buy

Major malls

Florida Mall - The biggest mall in Orlando located at the crossroads of Orange Blossom Trail and Sandlake Road. Home to hundreds of shops and anchored by Saks 5th Avenue, Macys, Dillards, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, JC Penney and Sears. You can go an entire day in this mall and still not finish.

Mall at Millenia - This is Orlando's most upscale and beautiful mall. Find everything from Tiffany's to Hugo Boss and Gucci. Also home to upscale department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. This mall is part of the very new and trendy Millenia area of Orlando. Located conveniently on the Conroy Road exit off of I-4 a few miles south of Downtown.

Altamonte Mall - Located in the northern suburb of Altamonte Springs.

Fashion Square Mall - Located on east Colonial Drive just north of downtown.

West Oaks Mall - Located on West Colonial Drive in the western suburbs of Ocoee and Winter Garden

Oviedo Marketplace - Located in the eastern suburb of Oviedo

Outlet malls

Orlando Premium Outlets- Home to the biggest designers such as Armani, Fendi, Burberry, Ferragamo, Lacoste, Coach. Also home to Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Polo, Nautica and many more. Located off of 535 and visible from I-4 closest to the Disney World area. This is the best mall to pick up bargains from all the name brands and designer wear.

Prime Outlets (formerly Bellz) - Home to many designers such as Polo, DKNY, Nike, Reebok, and Liz Claiborne. The mall is currently undergoing major renovation but the outside centers are still open and have the above stores.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets - Select from over 300 designer and name brands such as Gap, Reebok, Carters and Eddie Bauer. Stores offer factory direct, quality merchandise at savings up to 75%. Located off of SR 535 near International Drive and Disney.

Ethnic enclaves

Little Saigon - Located on Colonial Drive just east of downtown. Here you will find about 100 stores that stock items from
China, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, etc. Also home to many Asian restaurants. The shops will mainly consist of Asian grocery stores and gift shops and a few herbal healing stores.

Little India area - This area is a bit spread out. You will find many Indian stores in the South Orange Blossom Trail area on the main streets and side roads. Starting with Lancaster Road, which houses a video store and Indian restaurant, and then traveling south you will see a few Indian shops in clusters every mile all the way to 417 where you end at the local Indian movie theater.

Citywalk, at Universal Orlando features a variety of restaurants such as Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Pastamore, NASCAR Cafe and much more. Parking is $10 during the day and free after 6PM (except during holidays or special events, such as Hallowen Horror Nights).

Drink

Orlando Nightlife away from the theme parks is centered mostly around Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. Here you can walk and find many bars and several dance clubs from the chic urban Rhythm and Flow to the Mulvaney's Irish Pub. A short walk away is the tiny Thornton Park District, located near/around the intersection of Washington and Summerlin. Among the dozens of cafés and pubs, you might stop in for a drink and a quick bite at Dexter's on Washington. For local flair head across the street to Burton's Frosty Mug, or sample the hip urban environment at the trendy HUE at the corner of Washington and Central.

At the theme parks, there is Pleasure Island at Disney World and the CityWalk at Universal Studios. For a nominal admission fee, both sites offer numerous venues for libations and entertainment. If you're staying along International Drive, there are plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs.

Sleep / Lodging

With a hotel around virtually every corner (actually 4 or 5 around every corner) it seems impossible to throw a rock and not hit a hotel. There are hotels to meet every traveler's need, whether it be a hostel or a 5-star resort, although many visiting families often prefer to rent a their own private villa as they usually provide much more personal space and have their own private facilities. Many villas are located conveniently for the local attractions and often provide extremely good value for money, becoming increasingly popular with business as well as vacation visitors.

Mid-range

Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, 2900 Parkway Blvd, is a 718 room resort located on 20 acres of tropically landscaped groups and is just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World. 3 pools, cascading waterfalls, 2 whirlpools and a 40' water slide. Extensive on site Kids Activities program.

The Doubletree Castle Hotel, 8629 International Dr., is designed as a medieval themed palace. The interior is decorated with medieval themed artwork and Renaissance music. The hotel has 216 guest rooms and suites.

DoubleTree Club Lake Buena Vista, 12490 Apopka Vineland Road, Located near Downtown Disney, featuring scheduled shuttles to all four theme parks. Family suites at this hotel make it a family favorite and the Executive Floor, business center and free high-speed internet in the lobby make this a business traveler's haven.

Hawthorn Suites Orlando/Convention Center, 6435 Westwood Blvd., +1 407-351-6600, Surrounded by tropical landscaping, free-form heated pool and whirlpool spa, as well as special children’s pool, play area and game room.

Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, 14500 Continental Gateway, In addition to the Nickelodeon colors and themes, the hotel has added over $25 million in amenities and features: Two amazing pool complexes with waterpark features like slides, flumes and wet/dry play areas; The Lagoon and The Oasis pools are completed and offering live Nickelodeon entertainment pool side.

Parc Corniche Condominium Orlando Suite Hotel, 6300 Parc Corniche Drive, +1 407-239-7100 (toll free: 1-800-446-2721, fax: +1 407-239-8501), Orlando Hotel Condominium Suites at the Parc Corniche, located in the middle of the action on the famous International Drive and minutes away from the theme parks.

Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa, 8112 Poinciana Blvd, +1 407-239-7100 (toll free: 1-866-401-2699), A brand new luxury condominium resort, located in the heart of all the fun things to do in Orlando, Florida. Minutes away from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and International Drive.

DoubleTree Guest Suites Orlando Hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort, 2305 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, +1 407-934-1000, Within the Walt Disney World Resort®. Orlando Airport is 15 miles away and within minutes of Disney Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and Disney's West Side.

Embassy Suites North Orlando Hotel, 225 East Altamonte Drive, +1 407-834-2400, 19 miles from Orlando Airport and six miles from downtown Orlando - close to the business district, shopping and the many local attractions, and there is a complimentary shuttle within a five-mile radius.

Holiday Inn Nikki Bird Orlando Hotel, 7300 West US 192, +1 407-396-7300, One mile from Disney's Main Gate and 15 miles from Orlando. Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Walt Disney World are all within one mile.

Holiday Inn International Drive Orlando Hotel 6515 International Drive, +1 407-351-3500, A 13-acre playground just steps away from great restaurants and shopping. Sea World, Universal Orlando, and Wet 'N Wild are just a short ride away along International Drive.

Holiday Inn Select Orlando Hotel at the Orlando Airport MCO, 5750 TG Lee Boulevard, +1 407-851-6400, Just outside the exit of Orlando Airport and 8 miles from downtown - well placed for many of the major Florida attractions, including Disney World.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa, 6000 W Osceola Parkway, +1 407-586-0000. Located five minutes from Walt Disney WorldThis amazing resort includes a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium that celebrates the entire state of Florida. Features restaurants, La Petite Academy Kids Station, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, shops and live animal displays. You have to visit this hotel to believe it!

The Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Suites, South International Drive, 9956 Hawaiian Court, 1-800-826-4847, A AAA 3-Diamond award winner, conveniently located off South International Drive that features 223 deluxe guestrooms and one bedroom suites. Provides high-speed Internet access in all rooms, meeting rooms and all public areas. Offers business, group and leisure travelers a best rate guarantee. Adjacent to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center and within walking distance to popular restaurants and shopping centers.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, 1500 Masters Blvd. Orlando/ChampionsGate, 1-888-444-OMNI (6664), The hotel is located within minutes of Walt Disney World, Sea World and a myriad of water parks and other attractions. ChampionsGate Golf Course has been honorably mentioned in Golf Magazine's "10 Most Distinctive Places to Play".

The Peabody Orlando Hotel, 9801 International Drive, Luxury Orlando hotel, contemporary elegance, home to the famous Peabody Ducks and located across the street from Orlando Orange County Convention Center.

Vacation Rental Homes

Privately owned vacation rental homes or "villas" are also very popular especially with families and larger groups, usually offering significantly more space than hotel rooms, and often at a much cheaper price.

Executive Orlando Villa, A 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with private south facing pool, gym & games room, overlooking a mature woodland conservation area situated in the upmarket community of "Countryside" at Tuscan Ridge, under 12 minutes drive from Walt Disney World, 20 minutes from Universal Studios and just a few minutes from Highway 192. Also close to Interstate 4.

Sanann Villa, Sanann Villa is an air-conditioned, spacious 4 bed (2 king master suites), 3.5 bath villa, situated in the upscale Glenbrook Resort and is located minutes from the Disney World and Orlando. This vacation home sleeps up to 10 guests and includes a gamesroom (with pool table, foosball, air hockey, electronic darts, TV, X-Box & stereo system), heated pool & spa, entertainment area (with 47" TV, DVD, VCR & Playstation 2), together with use of the Glenbrook resort clubhouse & guest facilities.

Contact

Ten digit dialing is in effect in the Orlando area. All calls from or within the area, even local calls, require dialing the area code.

Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau 8723 International Drive, 1-800 972-3304. The official sales and marketing organization for the Orlando and Orange County area. http://www.orlandoinfo.com.

Stay safe

Visitors should be vigilant of their surroundings in downtown Orlando west of I-4 (known as the Parramore district). Orange Blossom Trail (north of Sand Lake Road) is also a notoriously dangerous part of town.

Typical rules of tourism common sense apply. Hotel room invasions do occur, especially open-air hotel and motel rooms when the victim leaves their hotel room unlocked and undeadbolted. When you are in a hotel room, lock your doors behind you.

Never leave valuable items in your car unattended; get any purchased items to your hotel room as soon as possible.

Also, do not leave small children unattended for any length of time, especially at a pool. Most hotel pools do not have lifeguards.

Pets are better off left with a friend or in a kennel. If you choose to bring your pet, note that most theme parks and hotels prohibit pets. DO NOT LOCK YOUR PET IN YOUR CAR! Due to the high temperatures in the area, it is extremely dangerous and is forbidden by law in Florida.

Cope

La Petite Academy Kids Station, (Facility on the grounds of the Gaylord Palms Resort), +1 407-586-0000. Parents sometimes feel guilty separating from their children on a family vacation. But with facilities like this your kids won't notice your absence. Leave the kids for an hour or two while mom and dad have a dinner or enjoy a spa treatment!

Get out

Winter Haven is home to Cypress Gardens, the oldest theme park in all of Florida. Located about 40 miles southwest of Orlando off Interstate 4.

Clermont, about 20 miles west of Orlando on Florida Highway 50, hosts another Central Florida landmark, the Florida Citrus Tower. The tower celebrated its 50th anniversary in December of 2006.

Cape Canaveral, with a cruise terminal and the Kennedy Space Center, is a short drive east of Orlando on State Route 528.